ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force is intensifying efforts to equip itsanticipated J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter with indigenouslydeveloped mini cruise missiles designed specifically for internal weaponsbays. This development promises to bolster stand-off strike capabilitieswhile preserving the aircraft’s low-observable profile, raising questionsabout how swiftly these munitions will integrate into operational serviceamid regional airpower shifts. Recent reports suggest initial deliveries ofthe J-35 could commence as early as 2026, prompting accelerated work oncompatible precision weapons that evade radar detection.
The strategic imperative behind this initiative stems from the need tomaintain deterrence in a contested environment where advanced air defencespose significant threats. Pakistan’s pursuit of fifth-generation platformslike the J-35 addresses qualitative gaps created by neighbouringacquisitions of sophisticated fighters and surface-to-air systems. Byfocusing on compact, stealthy cruise missiles, the PAF aims to enable deeppenetration missions without compromising the aircraft’s radarcross-section, a critical factor in modern aerial warfare. Analysts observethat such munitions would allow launches from safe distances, enhancingsurvivability for pilots and platforms alike.
Defence experts highlight the J-35’s internal weapons bay configuration,which typically accommodates up to six hardpoints for air-to-air orprecision-guided munitions while maintaining stealth integrity. Theaircraft, derived from China’s Shenyang FC-31 design, features reducedradar signature through specialised materials and shaping. Reports indicatePakistan has approved procurement of up to 40 units, with pilot trainingalready underway in China. This phased induction, potentially starting withfour to twelve aircraft by 2027, aligns with broader modernisation goals,including integration of airborne early warning systems.
Parallel to the J-35 programme, Pakistan’s missile development ecosystemhas produced advanced air-launched cruise systems with stealthcharacteristics. The Ra’ad series, including the upgraded Ra’ad-II variant,incorporates low-observable airframes, terrain-hugging flight profiles, andsubsonic speeds to evade detection. These missiles, originally designed forplatforms like the JF-17 and Mirage, demonstrate Pakistan’s expertise inprecision guidance using inertial navigation, terrain contour matching, andsatellite assistance. Recent tests of related systems, such as the TaimoorALCM with a 600-kilometre range, underscore ongoing advancements inconventional stand-off strike options.
Efforts to miniaturise cruise missiles for the J-35’s constrained internalbays draw inspiration from global trends, where lightweight, low-signatureweapons maximise stealth fighter payloads. Pakistan’s indigenousprogrammes, led by organisations like the National Engineering and ScienceCommission, emphasise compact designs weighing under 1,200 kilograms whileretaining extended ranges and high accuracy. Such munitions wouldcomplement existing capabilities, allowing the J-35 to engage fixedinstallations, command nodes, or maritime targets with minimal risk ofinterception. The focus on stealth features, including radar-absorbentmaterials and manoeuvrable trajectories, enhances penetration againstlayered defences.
This convergence of stealth aircraft and compatible cruise missilesrepresents a doctrinal evolution for the Pakistan Air Force. Byprioritising survivable, sensor-fused operations, the PAF seeks to operateeffectively in high-threat environments. The integration would providefirst-look, first-strike advantages, enabling controlled escalation anddeterrence stability. Observers note that Pakistan’s collaboration withChina, encompassing technology transfers and joint development, acceleratesthese capabilities compared to timelines in other regional programmes.
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The broader implications extend to regional security dynamics, wherequalitative enhancements could influence crisis stability. As Pakistanprogresses toward operationalising the J-35 with stealthy stand-offweapons, questions arise about potential countermeasures and escalationrisks. The development underscores a commitment to self-reliance in defencetechnology, building on decades of cruise missile expertise to meetemerging operational requirements.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1964858
Tags:Pakistan, China, J-35, Pakistan Air Force, Cruise Missileogimageimage-name
